Jeanie Buss Fights Siblings in Court Over Lakers Ownership

Jeanie Buss has initiated legal proceedings in Los Angeles Superior Court to prevent her five siblings from selling their family's remaining 17.82% stake in the Los Angeles Lakers. The Buss family has owned the franchise since 1979, and Jeanie is seeking to maintain her minority control following her siblings' recent decision to sell their shares to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner.

In her 97-page petition, Jeanie argues that her siblings should adhere to a 2017 court ruling that designated her as the controlling owner of the Lakers. This ruling also appointed her younger siblings, Janie and Joey, as co-trustees, roles previously held by her older brothers Jim and Johnny, who were removed after a failed attempt to gain control of the team.

Jeanie's petition accuses Janie, Joey, and their other siblings of "devious behavior" for excluding her from discussions regarding the sale of their shares. She claims that she was neither consulted nor informed about the sale, which took place shortly after Iger and Kushner reached a record-breaking deal with Mark Walter.

The legal action seeks to nullify her siblings' votes to sell the team, remove Janie and Joey from their co-trustee positions for breaching their fiduciary duties, and hold the other siblings accountable for their involvement in the matter. Jeanie aims to uphold her late father's legacy and protect her role in managing the franchise, which has grown significantly in value under her leadership.

As the third-oldest child of former Lakers owner Jerry Buss, Jeanie was chosen by her father to oversee the team, which has transformed into a $12.5 billion brand. To maintain her position on the NBA board of governors, she must retain at least a 15% ownership stake in the team. Jeanie's fight emphasizes her commitment to her family's legacy and her role in the franchise's future.